100th
Anniversary of the First Transmission of Sound Over Land

by Reverend Jozef Murgaš,
Wireless Communicator

On
November 23rd,
1905, the first public demonstration of wireless
telegraphy over land was held
between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Fred Kirkendall, then mayor
of Wilkes-Barre, transmitted a message to Mayor Alexander R. Connell of
Scranton. A large number of scientists, inventors, statesmen, officials,
clergymen and interested persons gathered to witness this historical event in
electrical science. The demonstration was a huge success. All messages that were
sent were received. Rev. Jozef Murgaš, who conducted this experiment, later
became known as the “radio priest”.**

To
mark the 100th Anniversary of the occasion, The Slovak Heritage
Society of NEPA presented a check for $1,000 to King’s College Communications Department.The donation was made possible through a bequest
from the estate of Theodore M. Salvet specifically designated for the continued
remembrance of the life and work of Rev. Jozef
Murgaš.

Rev. Jozef Murgaš, a
Roman Catholic Priest, was born in Slovakia. Among his many accomplishments, he
was an academy-trained artist.He
was able to raise the money necessary to further his electrical experiments by
selling many of his paintings. In Father’s tiny, meagerly equipped laboratory,
located in the rear of Sacred Heart Slovak Church on North Main Street,
Wilkes-Barre, he personally designed and built much of the apparatus used in his
experiments.

Father’s work
paralleled that of Marconi and other inventors. He systematically followed their
experiments and endeavored to improve their systems. In 1900, Father invented
the “Rotary Spark Gap (tone) System” of transmission. The tones were more
recognizable and were able to be transmitted at 50 WPM-three times faster than
Marconi’s system. Marconi’s process could send only a single sound and carry
sound only a short distance over water. Murgaš’ invention, however, expanded on Marconi’s.The system was able to transmit two or more sounds over
distances of 70 miles over land and 700 miles over water. The variation
of sounds developed by Murgaš made communication by Morse code possible.

In November 1904, a group
of investors enthusiastic about Murgaš’ experiments, formed the Universal
Aether Telegraph Co. $18,000 was invested to construct two site with two 200 foot
towers, one in Wilkes-Barre and one in Scranton, 19 miles to the north.

Later, Father Murgaš
slightly rearranged his tone system and was able to transmit the human voice.
During a demonstration, the words, “Glory Be To God” rang out on the
receiving end of the transmission as the Slovak priest’s voice traveled
through the atmosphere.

Father Murgaš successfully
forwarded the first voice message, revolutionizing the use of wireless
communications, and pioneered the development of radio. Time, natural disaster,
disappointments in financial backing, ill health, a world war and age, led Murgaš
to discontinue his experiments.

Marconi, along with his
friend, Professor Fessenden, a noted inventor, argued over who invented the
“tone system”.A long chain of
lawsuits followed.Finally, the
United States District Court, Southern District of New York ruled that Murgaš’
discovery proved him to be the original inventor. He used the financial settlement
to purchase a stained glass window for Sacred Heart Church.

In what has been documented
as the last visit by Marconi to Father Murgaš in the summer of 1917, Father
stated: “I did what I thought was best to do. I’m growing older and not very
well. My strength is failing and I do not believe I have very long to live. I do
not want this patent to be lost to the human race. Mr. Marconi is a younger man.
He is also a scientist and so I gave him the patent with all the information he
needs. May God bless him and help him.”

(Father Murgaš went Home on May
11, 1929.)

In October 1974 the Sacred
Heart parish community donated over $13,000 to King’s College for the Rev.
Jozef Murgaš Audio-Visual Aid Center.

A
replica of the twin towers in Wilkes-Barre was dedicated in1979. The replica was
designed by Joseph M. Baloga; it was built and donated by the Metropolitan Wire
Works of Wilkes-Barre PA. The dedication took place on the occasion of the 50th
Anniversary of the death of Father Murgaš and was spear headed by The Murgaš
Amateur Radio Club.

** The above
photograph was taken of Father Murgaš as he stood watching the construction of
his "broadcasting" Towers in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

A greater awareness of Father
Joseph Murgaš, his biography and achievements has been accomplished by the
Slovak Heritage Society of NEPA's video, REVEREND JOSEPH MURGAš, RADIO’S FORGOTTEN GENIUS. This
videois available for purchase from the
society.